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Cleric Son
One reckless choice. One broken boy. One hope that never lets go.
Raised in the shadow of his Chief Bladesinger father, Gilspa has always struggled to measure up. He isn’t strong. He isn’t brave. And now that his rare gift of magic has begun to show, he fears it’s only driven him and his father further apart.
When a reckless act leads to someone getting hurt, Gilspa is consumed by guilt. He can’t sleep. He can’t eat. Shadows follow him into waking and into dreams. If the fear doesn’t destroy him, the shame just might.
Zon can wield a sword, defend a stronghold, even train warriors—but how does a father rescue a son from the weight of his own heart?
Only the Maker can save Gil now. But first, he must find the courage to trust.
Raised in the shadow of his Chief Bladesinger father, Gilspa has always struggled to measure up. He isn’t strong. He isn’t brave. And now that his rare gift of magic has begun to show, he fears it’s only driven him and his father further apart.
When a reckless act leads to someone getting hurt, Gilspa is consumed by guilt. He can’t sleep. He can’t eat. Shadows follow him into waking and into dreams. If the fear doesn’t destroy him, the shame just might.
Zon can wield a sword, defend a stronghold, even train warriors—but how does a father rescue a son from the weight of his own heart?
Only the Maker can save Gil now. But first, he must find the courage to trust.
326 pages, Paperback
Published June 26, 2026
About the author
Penny Johnston
3 books29 followersPenny Johnston writes emotionally rich fantasy rooted in themes of grace, healing, and quiet strength. She is the author of the To Be Called series, where stories of mentorship, identity, and belonging unfold in a world shaped by faith and courage.
When she’s not writing, Penny works as a medical office admin and enjoys reading, doing life with her two teenagers, and slipping away to go camping at the lake. Her third novel,Cleric Son, is expected in June 2026.
When she’s not writing, Penny works as a medical office admin and enjoys reading, doing life with her two teenagers, and slipping away to go camping at the lake. Her third novel,Cleric Son, is expected in June 2026.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
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May 20, 2026Coming on June 26, 2026!
August 2, 2026
4.5 🌟
Thoroughly enjoyed this second installment though not quite as much as the first but I just didn't relate as much. The characters felt vividly real and I was cheering them on or yelling at them to do something or not to do something else.
The end left me wanting more and I'm praying that there's a second book about Gil coming out soon🤞
This book was a beautiful installment to the series and made the characters feel even more real. The magic system was simple but accomplished what it needed to. I did get a little tripped up when I got towards the end of the book and the years were passing in like 3 pages but I was always able to reorient myself quickly.
I feel so much for both Zon and Gil I just want to give them both a hug.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Thoroughly enjoyed this second installment though not quite as much as the first but I just didn't relate as much. The characters felt vividly real and I was cheering them on or yelling at them to do something or not to do something else.
The end left me wanting more and I'm praying that there's a second book about Gil coming out soon🤞
This book was a beautiful installment to the series and made the characters feel even more real. The magic system was simple but accomplished what it needed to. I did get a little tripped up when I got towards the end of the book and the years were passing in like 3 pages but I was always able to reorient myself quickly.
I feel so much for both Zon and Gil I just want to give them both a hug.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
***I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.***
Wow. This is such a beautiful yet almost bittersweet book that perfectly ties Chief Bladesinger and To Be Called Worthy! Now, I have YET to read Chief Bladesinger (book 1), but greatly enjoyed To Be Called Worthy (book 3)! Imagine my surprise when this book came out, taking place right between the prequel and the sequel!
Thankfully, you don't really HAVE to read Chief Bladesinger first, but it makes more sense when you do.
In this story, we follow a father and a son, Linazon and Gilpsa. We see Linazon, father and mighty warrior, wrestling with guiding his students, and growing tensions with leadership… and the relationship with his son. Then there's Gilspa, a young elf boy coming of age, struggling with the dark battle waging in his soul, especially when his gift of magic has both healing and destruction.
There's so much tension, especially when the rifts seem to worsen, nearly breaking your heart. But within it all is a story about a father and son, both hurting and struggling, yet learning to trust in the Maker and each other, even when it all seems hopeless...
Beautifully well done, and I highly recommend it to teen boys! It's also refreshing to see more stories with upstanding fathers!
But after reading this, you'll DEFINITELY want to read To Be Called Worthy
Wow. This is such a beautiful yet almost bittersweet book that perfectly ties Chief Bladesinger and To Be Called Worthy! Now, I have YET to read Chief Bladesinger (book 1), but greatly enjoyed To Be Called Worthy (book 3)! Imagine my surprise when this book came out, taking place right between the prequel and the sequel!
Thankfully, you don't really HAVE to read Chief Bladesinger first, but it makes more sense when you do.
In this story, we follow a father and a son, Linazon and Gilpsa. We see Linazon, father and mighty warrior, wrestling with guiding his students, and growing tensions with leadership… and the relationship with his son. Then there's Gilspa, a young elf boy coming of age, struggling with the dark battle waging in his soul, especially when his gift of magic has both healing and destruction.
There's so much tension, especially when the rifts seem to worsen, nearly breaking your heart. But within it all is a story about a father and son, both hurting and struggling, yet learning to trust in the Maker and each other, even when it all seems hopeless...
Beautifully well done, and I highly recommend it to teen boys! It's also refreshing to see more stories with upstanding fathers!
But after reading this, you'll DEFINITELY want to read To Be Called Worthy
Review of advance copy
Cleric Son is Book 2 in To Be Called Series by Penny Johnson. I believe that the character of Gilspa and his father, Zon, the Chief Bladesinger, are perfectly written. The author does not write a story that is fast and furious, she tells a story that opens like a flower. I could not put the book down. I was not expecting the ending, it was a surprise. Get your favorite drink and spend and afternoon reading Cleric Son. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.
June 29, 2026
I really liked your book. You show caring with discipline. You know how to build up the readers hope, but unfortunately things don't always turn out the way you hope they will. I see this book as an allegory of our lives. Captivating read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Cleric Son is an engaging fantasy fiction book with a mysterious world of clerics, magic, and faith in the Maker. I enjoyed how the story quickly pulls readers into Gilspa’s life and hints at deeper powers and challenges. My favorite part was the early focus on magic and responsibility, which made me want to keep reading.
June 29, 2026
Penny, you are an amazing author. You demonstrate love, compassion and caring in this book. It reminds me of what a godly father should be like. I really enjoyed reading this book.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews